The trendy (and, alas, pricey and poorly managed) Mercury Coffee Bar has closed its doors temporarily to "retool." I've been hearing tales of their woes pretty much since they opened, so this comes as no tremendous surprise, but it is still unfortunate. Let's hope the second time's the charm, since there's nowhere else in the city or suburbs where we can get genuine slow coffee.
The equally trendy and pricey Zaccaro's Market will also be closing due to "slow sales." This gourmet grocer, the Big Buzz of Spring '08, had all the right ideas in place including top-notch wines, cheeses, pastries, and coffees, a full line of organic food items, as well as a cafe with free Wi-Fi for mingling, working, and noshing. I had really hoped this one would be a success, but in this place at this time...well, as much as people might have been excited that a gourmet grocer had opened in the city, no one had the money to shop there. In time, I hope Cindy Warner or someone with her same ambitions and goals takes up the slack and tries again as I do think in a better economy there is a market here for such a place, but for right now we all must weather the storm with Meijer-brand. Best of luck to you Cindy, and thanks for trying.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Valentine's Day Dinner Options
It's easy to forget just how stressful planning a special night for your loved one can be on the most high-profile date night of the year. Luckily, several area restaurants have taken some of the pressure off of that planning with generous and savory prix fixe menus and live entertainment to match. Make your reservations ASAP as space is filling up fast all over town.
-----------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 12th-Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Weekend at Opus One
Please join us for Valentine's Day Weekend either Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for our special Valentine's Day Dinner Features. The cost for two persons is $89.
These features include Chateaubriand for two, Surf and Turf for two, or a Seafood Trio for two along with your choice of either the Opus Romaine Salad or Specialty Soup of the Day and one of our Specialty Desserts for two or your choice of the Opus One Pastry Cart.
We will also have our regular menu available for those that have their favorite Opus One entrees.
Call 313-961-7766 and press one for reservations. Opus One is located at 565 East Larned Detroit, Michigan 48226
Where: Opus One, Detroit
When: Call 313-961-7766 for details and to make reservations
Tix: $89.00 for two exclusive of tax and gratuity
http://www.opus-one.com/
--------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 13th-Sunday, February 15th: Valentine’s Dinner at Cuisine
Come celebrate with your significant other all weekend at Cuisine. Cuisine will offer your choice of an ala carte menu and Special Valentine’s Day menu of 5 courses for $80.00. Cuisine will be offering Champagne specials as well. Chef Paul can pick a wine pairing to compliment your Valentine’s Day menu.
Where: Cuisine, Detroit
When: 5:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $80.00 prix fixe menu
http://www.cuisinedetroit.com/
---------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 13th-Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Dinner at the Rattlesnake
A special prix fixe menu for your valentine.
Tease
Butternut Squash with Ginger Splash
Starter Choices Please (Select One)
~Baby Gem Limestone Bibb Wedges Dusted with Spiced Cashews, Chewy Lardons and Maytag Blue, Pomegranate Vinaigrette & Arils
~Warm Goat Cheese and Black Turkey Fig Spoon Spinach & Baby Arugula Tossed with Figs & Roasted Cippolini, Goat Cheese Button, Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
~Colossal Lump Crab Cake Pan Roasted with Braised Whole Grain Mustard Slaw, Many Mustard Sauce Topped with Mustard Seed Micro salad
~Crispy Calamari & Rock Shrimp Fry Crisp Fried Cool Lemon-Garlic & Spicy Red Chile Aioli
Entrée Choices (Select One)
~Maine Sea Scallop & Lobster Reverse Ravioli Pooled in Ginger Froth with Pasta Pearls, Crispy Ginger Ginger Scented Wild Atlantic Nova Salmon Ginger Crystal Coated Salmon Swimming in a Sweet Corn Risotto, Splashed with Ginger Froth, Scallion & Crispy Ginger Salad
~Pan Roasted Free Range Duck Breast Apple Cider Cured, Stacked atop Sea Salt Caramel Glazed Two Apple Tart, Pinot Noir Essence & Crispy Sage Salad
~Porcini & Truffle Infused 6oz CAB Filet With a Yukon Celery Root Gratin, Black Cabernet Jus & Porcini Cream Wild Mushroom Ragout
~Live Smoked CAB Beef Short Ribs Braised in Rich Rattlesnake Barbeque Spices Roasted Cauliflower Smash, Tobacco Onion Rings
Dessert Choices (Select One)
~Flourless Chocolate Pressed Cake With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream & Caramel Sauce
~Lavender & White Chocolate Crème: Brulee Caramelized Raspberries swirled in Lavender Scented Silky Crème Brulee, Topped with Burnt Turbinado Crisp & Pyramid Rattlesnake Blend
Press Pot Coffee
Mocha Ginger Drop Cookies
Where: The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit
When: 5:30PM-10:00PM
Tix: $60.00 exclusive of tax and gratuity
http://www.rattlesnakeclub.com/
------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Thursday, February 12th-Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Weekend at Opus One
Please join us for Valentine's Day Weekend either Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for our special Valentine's Day Dinner Features. The cost for two persons is $89.
These features include Chateaubriand for two, Surf and Turf for two, or a Seafood Trio for two along with your choice of either the Opus Romaine Salad or Specialty Soup of the Day and one of our Specialty Desserts for two or your choice of the Opus One Pastry Cart.
We will also have our regular menu available for those that have their favorite Opus One entrees.
Call 313-961-7766 and press one for reservations. Opus One is located at 565 East Larned Detroit, Michigan 48226
Where: Opus One, Detroit
When: Call 313-961-7766 for details and to make reservations
Tix: $89.00 for two exclusive of tax and gratuity
http://www.opus-one.com/
--------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 13th-Sunday, February 15th: Valentine’s Dinner at Cuisine
Come celebrate with your significant other all weekend at Cuisine. Cuisine will offer your choice of an ala carte menu and Special Valentine’s Day menu of 5 courses for $80.00. Cuisine will be offering Champagne specials as well. Chef Paul can pick a wine pairing to compliment your Valentine’s Day menu.
Where: Cuisine, Detroit
When: 5:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $80.00 prix fixe menu
http://www.cuisinedetroit.com/
---------------------------------------------------
Friday, February 13th-Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Dinner at the Rattlesnake
A special prix fixe menu for your valentine.
Tease
Butternut Squash with Ginger Splash
Starter Choices Please (Select One)
~Baby Gem Limestone Bibb Wedges Dusted with Spiced Cashews, Chewy Lardons and Maytag Blue, Pomegranate Vinaigrette & Arils
~Warm Goat Cheese and Black Turkey Fig Spoon Spinach & Baby Arugula Tossed with Figs & Roasted Cippolini, Goat Cheese Button, Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
~Colossal Lump Crab Cake Pan Roasted with Braised Whole Grain Mustard Slaw, Many Mustard Sauce Topped with Mustard Seed Micro salad
~Crispy Calamari & Rock Shrimp Fry Crisp Fried Cool Lemon-Garlic & Spicy Red Chile Aioli
Entrée Choices (Select One)
~Maine Sea Scallop & Lobster Reverse Ravioli Pooled in Ginger Froth with Pasta Pearls, Crispy Ginger Ginger Scented Wild Atlantic Nova Salmon Ginger Crystal Coated Salmon Swimming in a Sweet Corn Risotto, Splashed with Ginger Froth, Scallion & Crispy Ginger Salad
~Pan Roasted Free Range Duck Breast Apple Cider Cured, Stacked atop Sea Salt Caramel Glazed Two Apple Tart, Pinot Noir Essence & Crispy Sage Salad
~Porcini & Truffle Infused 6oz CAB Filet With a Yukon Celery Root Gratin, Black Cabernet Jus & Porcini Cream Wild Mushroom Ragout
~Live Smoked CAB Beef Short Ribs Braised in Rich Rattlesnake Barbeque Spices Roasted Cauliflower Smash, Tobacco Onion Rings
Dessert Choices (Select One)
~Flourless Chocolate Pressed Cake With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream & Caramel Sauce
~Lavender & White Chocolate Crème: Brulee Caramelized Raspberries swirled in Lavender Scented Silky Crème Brulee, Topped with Burnt Turbinado Crisp & Pyramid Rattlesnake Blend
Press Pot Coffee
Mocha Ginger Drop Cookies
Where: The Rattlesnake Club, Detroit
When: 5:30PM-10:00PM
Tix: $60.00 exclusive of tax and gratuity
http://www.rattlesnakeclub.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Wine Pairing
Valentine's Day wine and chocolate pairing. Try four of our custom wines with four specialty chocolates. The perfect way to impress your valentine!!
Where: Vitner’s Cellar, Royal Oak
When: 11:00AM-7:00PM
Tix: $16.00
http://www.royaloakwinery.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14th: Grupo Escobar and Dinner at the Majestic Cafe
Grupo Escobar is an 11 piece Salsa and Timba Group from Detroit specializing in music from Cuba. The band members have all converged from different backgrounds and nationalities to form a group which can grind out modern tropical rhythms. Cuba has always been a melting pot for musical styles and has been very controversial in it's constant efforts to create new and exciting compositions in Dance Music, and many other art forms. Grupo Escobar seizes on this spirit and combines their thorough experience in Timba, Salsa, Jazz and American, Cumbia, and Tropical Rhythms to bring the audience a diverse and rich onslaught of high energy music. Expect High Energy Music and Dance! all generated through "La Clave". "AGUA!"
Before the show, enjoy a special prix fixe dinner at the Majestic Café, specially selected for Valentine’s Day.
Where: The Majestic, Detroit
When: Music at 8:00PM
Tix: $7.00 advance/$10.00 at the door for music; $50.00 per person for dinner with admission to performance
http://www.majesticdetroit.com/
----------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Dinner and Comedy Show at the Emory
Enjoy a one of a kind dinner for two at the Emory this Valentine’s Day. The menu includes your choice of grilled filet mignon, blackened tilapia, or vegetarian strudel with soup or salad, fresh bread, redskin potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Cupcakes from Pinwheel Bakery will be served for dessert with a champagne toast. Purchase also includes two tickets to the Go! Comedy All Star Showdown ($30.00 value).
Where: The Emory, Ferndale
When: Seatings to accommodate the 8:00PM and 10:00PM Go! Comedy shows
Tix: $75.00 per couple
Call 248-546-8202 for reservations by 2/12/09
Valentine's Day wine and chocolate pairing. Try four of our custom wines with four specialty chocolates. The perfect way to impress your valentine!!
Where: Vitner’s Cellar, Royal Oak
When: 11:00AM-7:00PM
Tix: $16.00
http://www.royaloakwinery.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14th: Grupo Escobar and Dinner at the Majestic Cafe
Grupo Escobar is an 11 piece Salsa and Timba Group from Detroit specializing in music from Cuba. The band members have all converged from different backgrounds and nationalities to form a group which can grind out modern tropical rhythms. Cuba has always been a melting pot for musical styles and has been very controversial in it's constant efforts to create new and exciting compositions in Dance Music, and many other art forms. Grupo Escobar seizes on this spirit and combines their thorough experience in Timba, Salsa, Jazz and American, Cumbia, and Tropical Rhythms to bring the audience a diverse and rich onslaught of high energy music. Expect High Energy Music and Dance! all generated through "La Clave". "AGUA!"
Before the show, enjoy a special prix fixe dinner at the Majestic Café, specially selected for Valentine’s Day.
Where: The Majestic, Detroit
When: Music at 8:00PM
Tix: $7.00 advance/$10.00 at the door for music; $50.00 per person for dinner with admission to performance
http://www.majesticdetroit.com/
----------------------------------------------------
Saturday, February 14th: Valentine’s Dinner and Comedy Show at the Emory
Enjoy a one of a kind dinner for two at the Emory this Valentine’s Day. The menu includes your choice of grilled filet mignon, blackened tilapia, or vegetarian strudel with soup or salad, fresh bread, redskin potatoes, and grilled asparagus. Cupcakes from Pinwheel Bakery will be served for dessert with a champagne toast. Purchase also includes two tickets to the Go! Comedy All Star Showdown ($30.00 value).
Where: The Emory, Ferndale
When: Seatings to accommodate the 8:00PM and 10:00PM Go! Comedy shows
Tix: $75.00 per couple
Call 248-546-8202 for reservations by 2/12/09
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Best New Restaurants of 2008
Interested in knowing where the best new places to dine in metro Detroit are? The Freep's food critic Sylvia Rector offers a nice reduction of options which spans the metro Detroit area from Rochester Hills to Northville to Detroit. Check out your list of choices, from the high-end chophouse to the eco-conscious casual eatery here.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Bittersweet Goodbyes: Sweet Georgia Brown Evicted
Sweet Georgia Brown had become something of a Detroit dining mainstay in the six years it has been open. It hasn't been without its share of difficult times--several years ago they closed for business for a few months and reopened under new management and ownership--but it would seem that week was the final sweet potato straw. On Wednesday work crews hired by Greektown Casino, which owns the building in which Sweet Georgia Brown was located, evicted the restaurant, tossing all furniture etc. in the nearby dumpsters...much to the surprise of people who tried showing up for work that day. Apparently Greektown had not received rent payments from SGB's owners for months, and the struggling casino responded by shutting the business down.
Owner and former NBA star Derrick Coleman had only this to say to press: "I am most concerned about my valued employees that have been with me from the beginning. I want to assist them in any way possible as my employees depend on me. With the economy, fine dining dollars are just not there -- especially in the City of Detroit. Businesses open and close every day, and it was news to me that Sweet Georgia Brown's would be evicted this morning. The workers are my main concern."
Though it's been some time since my last trip to SGB, I remember finding it a charming and contemporary take on good old-fashioned southern food--think Deep South with a French twist. It was a stylish space and a downtown favorite, and though it will likely not be the last casualty of these tough economic times (dare I say this glut of new restaurants is more than the average 95% likely to suffer the same fate...and that 95% is during good times), I am still particularly sorry to see this one go.
Best of luck to Coleman and crew in future ventures. Word to the wise (as evidenced by innumerable restaurant/bar/club closings over the past few years): ALL businesses must (a) pay their taxes, and (b) pay their rent/make nice with their landlords. Too many businesses have shut down for not following these basic (and simply common sense) rules. Let that be a lesson learned to others...one can hope.
Owner and former NBA star Derrick Coleman had only this to say to press: "I am most concerned about my valued employees that have been with me from the beginning. I want to assist them in any way possible as my employees depend on me. With the economy, fine dining dollars are just not there -- especially in the City of Detroit. Businesses open and close every day, and it was news to me that Sweet Georgia Brown's would be evicted this morning. The workers are my main concern."
Though it's been some time since my last trip to SGB, I remember finding it a charming and contemporary take on good old-fashioned southern food--think Deep South with a French twist. It was a stylish space and a downtown favorite, and though it will likely not be the last casualty of these tough economic times (dare I say this glut of new restaurants is more than the average 95% likely to suffer the same fate...and that 95% is during good times), I am still particularly sorry to see this one go.
Best of luck to Coleman and crew in future ventures. Word to the wise (as evidenced by innumerable restaurant/bar/club closings over the past few years): ALL businesses must (a) pay their taxes, and (b) pay their rent/make nice with their landlords. Too many businesses have shut down for not following these basic (and simply common sense) rules. Let that be a lesson learned to others...one can hope.
New Italian Restaurant to Open in Birmingham
The people behind the successful Chen Chow Brasserie will be opening a second venture in Birmingham in the spring, a noveau Italian place to occupy the space once claimed by City Cellar--which in itself was a fabulous place before it suffered the fate of the Blue Martini downstairs and got shut down along with it (guilt by association; same owners).
If they take the same recipe which made Chen Chow a hit--simple yet elegant food in a posh atmosphere perfectly suited to Birmingham--this new venture in a cuisine style sorely lacking in that corner of the O.C. (save for Bacco in Southfield, which is a bit more than a stone's throw from B-ham) already has built-in success.
In related news, Zoran--the host with the most who, much like most other people steeped in the restaurant industry, has made the full circuit of area restaurants and most recently came from MGM and Zinc--is the maître d' of Chen Chow now. Likewise, Tribute's former bar manager Kevin has taken a position there and will be taking over the new Italian place once it opens.
Speaking of Tribute, much has changed in the few years since I was a regular. Executive Chef Don Yamauchi has left, but has stayed within the Epoch Restaurant Group and has taken over Forte in Birmingham. New Executive Chef Rich Travis has taken Tribute's former highly avant-garde culinary concepts and "Americanized" them a bit...this makes me a little more than nervous for the fate of my former favorite restaurant, but I'll let you know what I think once I revisit. "Americanized," though...never a good thing to say...
If they take the same recipe which made Chen Chow a hit--simple yet elegant food in a posh atmosphere perfectly suited to Birmingham--this new venture in a cuisine style sorely lacking in that corner of the O.C. (save for Bacco in Southfield, which is a bit more than a stone's throw from B-ham) already has built-in success.
In related news, Zoran--the host with the most who, much like most other people steeped in the restaurant industry, has made the full circuit of area restaurants and most recently came from MGM and Zinc--is the maître d' of Chen Chow now. Likewise, Tribute's former bar manager Kevin has taken a position there and will be taking over the new Italian place once it opens.
Speaking of Tribute, much has changed in the few years since I was a regular. Executive Chef Don Yamauchi has left, but has stayed within the Epoch Restaurant Group and has taken over Forte in Birmingham. New Executive Chef Rich Travis has taken Tribute's former highly avant-garde culinary concepts and "Americanized" them a bit...this makes me a little more than nervous for the fate of my former favorite restaurant, but I'll let you know what I think once I revisit. "Americanized," though...never a good thing to say...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Last Days of Birmingham Restaurant Week at Big Rock
Big Rock Chophouse is celebrating Birmingham Restaurant Week with special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, priced at $15.00 and $25.00 respectively. Today and tomorrow will be your last opportunities to take advantage of this comparitively low pricing, and check out the menus below if you still need a little arm-twisting:
Luncheon Price Fixed Menu $15
First course (choice of one)
Asian Cabbage Salad - Won Tons, Napa Cabbage and Ginger Dressing
Mixed Greens Salad - Cucumber, Tomato, Carrot and your choice of dressing
Mushroom Bisque
Main Course (choice of one)
Catfish Po Boy - Cornmeal Fried, Chips and Slaw
Chicken Pesto Sandwich - Chicken Salad, Arugula and Tomato on Walnut Raisin Bread
Chophouse Burger - ½ pound Tenderloin, Fries, Choice of Cheese
Vegetable Panini - Grilled Zucchini, Tomato, Portobello, Onion and Alfalfa Sprouts
Dessert Course
Cheesecake or Crème Brule
Dinner Price Fixed Menu $25
First course (choice of one)
Asian Cabbage Salad - Won Tons, Napa Cabbage and Ginger Dressing
Mixed Greens Salad - Cucumber, Tomato, Carrot and your choice of dressing
Mushroom Bisque
Main Course (Choice of One)
Braised Beef Short Ribs - White Cheddar Mashed Potato
Roast Half Chicken - Mashed Potato and Wasabi Slaw
Togarashi Salmon - Stir Fry Bok Choy, Basmati Rice and Ponzu
Dessert Course
Cheesecake or Crème Brule
Reservations recommended
Luncheon Price Fixed Menu $15
First course (choice of one)
Asian Cabbage Salad - Won Tons, Napa Cabbage and Ginger Dressing
Mixed Greens Salad - Cucumber, Tomato, Carrot and your choice of dressing
Mushroom Bisque
Main Course (choice of one)
Catfish Po Boy - Cornmeal Fried, Chips and Slaw
Chicken Pesto Sandwich - Chicken Salad, Arugula and Tomato on Walnut Raisin Bread
Chophouse Burger - ½ pound Tenderloin, Fries, Choice of Cheese
Vegetable Panini - Grilled Zucchini, Tomato, Portobello, Onion and Alfalfa Sprouts
Dessert Course
Cheesecake or Crème Brule
Dinner Price Fixed Menu $25
First course (choice of one)
Asian Cabbage Salad - Won Tons, Napa Cabbage and Ginger Dressing
Mixed Greens Salad - Cucumber, Tomato, Carrot and your choice of dressing
Mushroom Bisque
Main Course (Choice of One)
Braised Beef Short Ribs - White Cheddar Mashed Potato
Roast Half Chicken - Mashed Potato and Wasabi Slaw
Togarashi Salmon - Stir Fry Bok Choy, Basmati Rice and Ponzu
Dessert Course
Cheesecake or Crème Brule
Reservations recommended
Dine in the D During Winter Blast!
It's been a long, hard winter--no doubt about that. And it ain't over yet, neither (dialect usage intentional). So why not make the most of it?
This weekend, February 6th-8th, head down to Campus Martius Park and surrounding downtown areas for Winter Blast and take advantage of the Dine in the D program, in which over 60 local restaurants are offering a 15% discount off your entire food bill. Restaurants include fine dining favorites Coach Insignia, Opus One, the Whitney, Atlas Global Bistro, the Alley Grille, Bourbon Steak, Da Eduardo, Mosaic, Saltwater, Seldom Blues, Wolfgang Puck, as well as newcomers 24 Grille, Detroit Fish Market, Angelina Italian Bistro, and Finn & Porter.
Some of these places require reservations to be made by the end of the day today, so call now!
This weekend, February 6th-8th, head down to Campus Martius Park and surrounding downtown areas for Winter Blast and take advantage of the Dine in the D program, in which over 60 local restaurants are offering a 15% discount off your entire food bill. Restaurants include fine dining favorites Coach Insignia, Opus One, the Whitney, Atlas Global Bistro, the Alley Grille, Bourbon Steak, Da Eduardo, Mosaic, Saltwater, Seldom Blues, Wolfgang Puck, as well as newcomers 24 Grille, Detroit Fish Market, Angelina Italian Bistro, and Finn & Porter.
Some of these places require reservations to be made by the end of the day today, so call now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)